Norwegian unions say 755 oil and gas workers could strike

About 755 Norwegian workers on seven oil and gas fields could go on strike from Saturday, hitting output from western Europe's top producer, if a new wage deal is not agreed before a Friday deadline, trade unions said on Monday.Reuters | June 28, 2016, 11:01 IST

OSLO: About 755 Norwegian workers on seven oil and gas fields could go on strike from Saturday, hitting output from western Europe's top producer, if a new wage deal is not agreed before a Friday deadline, trade unions said on Monday.

A final round of mandatory talks will be hosted by a state mediator on June 30 and July 1 in an effort to avoid disruption that could start the following day.

The affected fields account for nearly 18 percent of Norway's oil output and a little more than 17 percent of its natural gas, Reuters calculations show.

Combined oil output was about 285,000 barrels per day in the first four months of the year, with natural gas output at 48.5 million cubic metres (mcm) per day.

Norway currently produces about 1.6 million barrels of crude and 280 million standard cubic metres of natural gas per day. Its combined natural gas liquids (NGL) and condensate output is about 400,000 barrels.

Employers have argued that a plunge in oil prices since 2014 must be accompanied by cost cuts and flexible work practices to help to keep the industry competitive.

Unions, meanwhile, say that members should receive pay increases matching those in other industries.

“To save the environment and to fight climate change, my government has planned a major campaign. By 2022, we want to generate 175 GW of renewable energy. In the last three years, we have already achieved 60 GW or around one-third of this target,” he said.